PROGNOSTIC ROLE OF THE BIOMARKER FOR SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA ANTIGEN IN ORAL LICHEN PLANUS

Abstract

Lichen planus refers to chronic dermatoses with manifestation in the oral mucosa. Its clinical manifestations are displayed as disruption of the immune system balance. A prolonged course of lichen planus causes deregulation of the cell growth gene, dysplasia of the epithelium of the oral mucosa and the development of squamous cell carcinoma. Identification of circulating biological markers in blood and saliva enables to detect stable and reliable predictors of clinical significance in the diagnosis and the prognosis of diseases of the oral mucosa, including the onset of tumor transformation. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen is one of these cancer markers. Saliva is an "ultrafiltrate of blood plasma", which makes it possible to evaluate biological markers by a safe non-invasive method. The aim of this study is to assess the concentration of squamous cell carcinoma antigen in mixed saliva samples of patients with various forms of lichen planus at the stages of diagnosis and treatment. Materials and methods. 47 women with a clinical diagnosis of "oral lichen planus" were examined and randomized in groups. They described the dental status, identified the causes of chronic injury, and made a comprehensive treatment plan. Monitoring was carried out at the diagnostic stage, after 14 and 90 days. During the first visit and after treatment, unstimulated mixed saliva was collected on an empty stomach. Results. During the diagnosis, the content of SC in the oral fluid of patients with lichen planus was <500 mcg/ml (489 mcg/ml) and a decrease in its concentration after treatment is characteristic of a benign course and susceptibility to therapy. The concentration of the marker >500 mcg/ml (527 mcg/ml) and an increase in the value after the treatment course indicates a severe recurrent nature of the disease and low efficacy of prescribed medications. Conclusion. The study of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen in oral fluid expands the applications of the biomarker in determining the prognosis of the course and effectiveness of therapy for oral lichen planus.